What is Cilantro Lime Coleslaw? Is it the dish that always disappears first at our summer barbecues, the one my kids actually *ask*? What is the side of me that I crave all year round? If you’re familiar with your basic mayo-laden coleslaw, prepare to have your mind blown. This is so much brighter, fresher and seriously addictive. Think of it as the cooler, more sophisticated cousin to your grandma’s classic coleslaw – all the flavor. What’s a good crunch that’ll make your taste buds sing? I’ve been making some version of this for years, and this particular recipe is truly my favorite.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What is Cilantro Lime Coleslaw?
Cilantro Lime Coleslaw is a flavorful twist on the traditional coleslaw. Forget the heavy, sometimes cloying mayonnaise-based dressings; forget dressing This recipe swaps out lime juice for cilantro, and gives a bright, zesty dressing. What is the best way to add honey to a dish? It’s essentially a crunchy salad with lots of personality. What are some great side dishes to serve with grilled chicken or tacos? Is it the kind of dish that brightens up any meal and leaves you feeling refreshed, not weighed down? What’s the best part about it? Is it easy to make?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to adore this Cilantro Lime Coleslaw! What I love *most* is the explosion of flavor. The tangy lime juice perfectly complements the fresh cilantro, creating a bright and zesty dressing that’s simply irresistible. It’s also incredibly simple to make. Seriously, you can whip this up in under 15 minutes, which makes it a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effective – the main ingredients are cabbage and a few pantry staples.
But beyond all that, it’s so versatile! I’ve served it with everything from pulled pork sandwiches to grilled salmon, and it always shines. If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you’ll find this coleslaw to be the perfect topping for tacos and the best companion to enchiladas. It adds a refreshing crunch and cuts through the richness of those dishes beautifully.
Compared to other coleslaw recipes, this one really stands out because of its light and refreshing dressing. While some coleslaws can be heavy and overly sweet, this recipe is perfectly balanced, with just the right amount of tanginess, sweetness, and herbaceousness. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
How do you make Cilantro Lime Coleslaw?
Quick Overview
How do you make Cilantro Lime Coleslaw? What’s the best way to serve lime dressing with shredded cabbage? What are some good ways to let veggies sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. What’s the best part about cooking? What is all about fresh flavors and textures, so you can have it ready in just a few minutes. What are some of the best recipes for a last minute meal?
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw: What is
* 1 small head green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups) – I prefer to shred my own because I find it easier to eat. Is it better to use pre-shredded cheese? * 1/2 cup shredded carrot – Adds a touch of sweetness and color. * 1/4 cup chopped red onion – For a bite. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the slaw. * 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro – Don’t skimp on the cilantro! What gives coleslaw its signature flavor?
For Cilantro Lime Dressing:
* 1/4 cup lime juice (from about 2-3 limes) – Freshly squeezed is always best! * 2 tablespoons olive oil – Extra virgin olive oils add a nice richness. * 2 tablespoons honey – Balances the acidity of lime juice. Can you use maple syrup or agave nectar? * 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors. * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for a little kick.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Is it safe to cook until you Make sure the honey is fully dissolved. I always give it a little taste at this point and adjust the honey or lime juice to my preference!
Step 2: Combine the Coleslaw Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, red onion, and cilantro. Set aside. What do you do to make sure everything is evenly distributed?
Step 3: Dress the Coleslaw
How do you serve cilantro lime dressing over coleslaw? Is it necessary to toss the vegetables with the dressing? Don’t be afraid to massage the dressing into the cabbage!
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly. If you’re in a hurry, you can serve it immediately, but it’s definitely better if you let it chill for a bit. This is also a great make-ahead dish! You can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Step 5: Adjust and Serve
Give the coleslaw a final toss before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like, you might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or lime juice. Serve chilled and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What can I serve with Cilantro Lime Coleslaw? Is there any limit to what you can do?With Tacos or Fajitas:What are some good side dishes to serve with coleslaw? It adds a refreshing crunch and brightens the flavors of the meat.What’s the best way to serve grilled chicken or fish?What is the zesty dressing for grilled chicken? What are some healthy summer meals?With Pulled Pork Sandwiches: What is The tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness of the pulled pork, creating a perfectly balanced sandwich. This is a classic combination that everyone will love!
As a side dish for BBQ:What is a good coleslaw recipe? What’s a good alternative to coleslaw? My family loves having it with grilled shrimp skewers. What is the best combo of the shrimp and coleslaw? I love to use it as a topping for black bean burgers – it adds so much flavor and texture.
How do I make Cilantro Lime Coleslaw?
How do you make Cilantro Lime Coleslaw? Is it perfect? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years, and I am happy to share them with you.Shredding the Cabbage:You can use a knife, mandoline, or food processor to shred cabbage. If you’re using a knife, make sure to remove the core first. If you’re using a mandoline, be *very* careful and use the hand guard to protect your fingers! Pre-shredded cabbage works in a pinch, but I find that it tends to be less drier and less green.What is the best way to chopDon’t be afraid to use the stems of cilantro! They’re packed with flavor. Just make sure to chop them finely. What are some ways to make cilantro dry before chopping? Is cilantro hard to chop?Making the Dressing: How do I Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice just doesn’t compare. Also, don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness of the dressing to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, add a little more honey. If you prefer a tangier coleslaw, add a little more lime juice.
What is the best way to marinatThe longer the coleslaw marinates, the more flavorful it will be. I recommend marinating it for at least 15 minutes, but you can marinate it up to a day in the refrigerator. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator.What are the best ways to add otherWhat are some good substitutes for coleslaw? Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so that they’re easy to eat. I sometimes throw in some chopped avocado for a creamy texture. If you are trying to customize the flavor profile you could also try different chili peppers, onions and garlic. What are some good jalapenos to add to your meal? What are some good toasted pepitas to add crunch?
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you store Cilantro Lime Coleslaw?Refrigerator Storage: WhatCan you store leftover Cilantro Lime Coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? What are some ways to make coleslaw softer?What is the best way I don’t recommend freezing this coleslaw. The cabbage will become mushy when it thaws.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze in this recipe, you don’t have to worry about that! Just make sure to store the coleslaw in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. If you’re making it ahead of time, I recommend adding the dressing about an hour before serving to prevent the coleslaw from becoming too soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it! My go-to Cilantro Lime Coleslaw recipe that’s been a hit in my family for years. I truly believe that the combination of fresh ingredients, bright flavors, and ease of preparation makes this recipe a winner. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion, and I guarantee that everyone will love it. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my recipe for classic southern coleslaw, or my pineapple salsa!
Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below with any questions or variations you try. And if you loved it, don’t forget to rate the recipe! Sharing is caring, so spread the love and share this recipe with your friends and family. Enjoy!

Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Shredded Cabbage
- 1 cup Shredded Carrots
- 0.5 cup Cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup Lime Juice
- 1 tablespoon Lime Zest
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.